Kid-Made I-Spy Christmas Ornament Craft
This post may contain affiliate links.
Looking for a kid-made Christmas ornament that’s fun to make AND fun to play with? This I-Spy Christmas Ornament Craft is a favorite in our house! Kids hide tiny trinkets inside a clear ornament and then try to spot them — it becomes a playful keepsake you can pull out year after year.
This is a great Christmas craft for classrooms, family ornament exchanges, holiday parties, or just a cozy December afternoon at home.
Supplies Needed
-
Small trinkets or buttons (mini beads, charms, doll accessories, sequins, etc.)
-
Glitter or fake snow (optional, but helps hide the items!)
-
Funnel or spoon
-
Ribbon or string
-
Small laminated I-Spy checklist (optional printable)
Tip: Kids love being in charge of picking what goes inside!
How to Make an I-Spy Ornament
-
Choose your objects
Let kids sort through mini buttons, beads, charms, or other tiny items. Pick 10–20 favorites. -
Add the filler
Spoon in glitter, sequins, or plastic faux snow. This hides the objects and makes the “spying” challenging! -
Add the hidden objects
Place favorite trinkets inside the ornament and gently shake to distribute. -
Close and decorate
Snap or twist the ornament closed and tie with a festive ribbon. -
Create an I-Spy list
Write or print a checklist of everything hidden inside.
Laminate the list and tie it onto the ornament so it stays with it year after year.
Learning Benefits + Skills
-
Visual discrimination + observation skills
-
Fine motor practice while filling and shaking
-
Literacy boost when reading the checklist
-
Creativity + personal expression in design
-
Problem-solving as kids search and regroup items
It’s screen-free fun that turns into a holiday tradition!
Variation Ideas
-
Theme it! Nativity, snowmen, Disney characters, favorite colors, etc.
-
Add numbers and make it a counting challenge.
-
Make a riddle version instead of a list (“Find something that jingles”).
-
Scented versions with cinnamon sticks or seasonal potpourri (sealed well).
More Christmas Crafts + Playful Holiday Learning
Solar System Christmas Ornaments
Homemade Christmas Ornaments for Kids
Roll a Gingerbread Man Preschool Christmas Game
Love that it’s a game too! Thanks for sharing this idea 🙂
What a fun idea! I used to make vinyl & fleece I Spy bags for my kids with rice and trinkets in them.
Stopping in from Share it Saturday. Great Idea! Love it!
I am soooooooo getting my daighter to make this. We are having a secret santa at girl guides and they have to make something for their friend. This would be so perfect. Thank you.